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Running Scared: For 22 years he was a fugitive - the corrupt cop busted by God
Robert Leon Davis was a respected police officer in New Orleans serving for four years until 1979-when he was arrested. He had begun his career with aspirations of being a great cop. But he was exposed to a darker side of law enforcement. While partnered with a veteran Robert first witnessed an officer violate the very laws he vowed to uphold - and shared his crime. One compromise led to another, and Davis faced arrest. From studying criminal law at Loyola University and becoming an award winning officer, Davis was a fugitive, living off the land in remote forests in America and Canada to elude capture. The church upbringing, where his grandmother made sure he learned about God and Jesus, was abandoned in anger. Through a stranger's prayer the angry atheist realised he was weary of running. He yielded his life to God, and gave himself in. When the District Attorney finally dusted off his file, what would his sentence be?
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2010
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2011
I thought this was an excellent little book. It is the memoir of Robert Leon Davis, an ex-cop who broke the law and became a fugitive for over 20 years. He traveled all over the United States, hopping trains, living in the wilderness and taking jobs stealing cars. Through those years he gave up family, relationships and proclaimed himself an atheist. God never gave up on him though. As horrible as Robert's life became and the crimes he let himself stoop to, God had bigger plans for him. This book shows us that God will not give up on each of us either, whatever pathway our lives take us.
June 7, 2014
Reviewed by Cassietta Jefferson, Independent Reviewer for PWICU Reviews
What would you do if you were faced with spending 30 years in one of the most hardcore prisons in America? Corrupt Cop Robert Leon Davis chose to run, leaving behind eight sisters and brothers. He’d always been told to do the right thing, but this advice seems to somehow have been the most difficult to heed.
Running Scared is the compelling story of Robert Leon Davis’ twenty two years spent as a fugitive. Mr. Davis recalls with amazingly clarity some of the details of the years he spent on the run. Perhaps most amazing is the years spent in the wilderness. Looking to evade capture, Mr. Davis disappears into the Canadian forests and learns to live off the land. Eventually, it becomes his new normal.
What I found particularly interesting about Running Scared was that even though Mr. Davis was a practicing atheist, he found himself surrounded by the love of God. The people he meets along his journey are people of great faith, and all played a part in him finally surrendering his life to Christ. What came with that surrender is the culmination of twenty plus years on the run. As is turns out, Mr. Davis was not only running from law enforcement, but he was running from God.
I’m not usually a fan of autobiographical books, mainly because I enjoy the unexpected twists and turns that often come with great works of fiction. This book was much different than my perception of autobiographies. I knew how his story would end, yet I was pulled into the journey to getting to that end.
Here is the message I gleaned from Running Scared. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you run, you can’t outrun the hand of God.
I received this book free from the author through PWICU’s book review and blogger program. I was not required to leave a positive review and the reviews expressed are completely my own. This disclosure of material is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
What would you do if you were faced with spending 30 years in one of the most hardcore prisons in America? Corrupt Cop Robert Leon Davis chose to run, leaving behind eight sisters and brothers. He’d always been told to do the right thing, but this advice seems to somehow have been the most difficult to heed.
Running Scared is the compelling story of Robert Leon Davis’ twenty two years spent as a fugitive. Mr. Davis recalls with amazingly clarity some of the details of the years he spent on the run. Perhaps most amazing is the years spent in the wilderness. Looking to evade capture, Mr. Davis disappears into the Canadian forests and learns to live off the land. Eventually, it becomes his new normal.
What I found particularly interesting about Running Scared was that even though Mr. Davis was a practicing atheist, he found himself surrounded by the love of God. The people he meets along his journey are people of great faith, and all played a part in him finally surrendering his life to Christ. What came with that surrender is the culmination of twenty plus years on the run. As is turns out, Mr. Davis was not only running from law enforcement, but he was running from God.
I’m not usually a fan of autobiographical books, mainly because I enjoy the unexpected twists and turns that often come with great works of fiction. This book was much different than my perception of autobiographies. I knew how his story would end, yet I was pulled into the journey to getting to that end.
Here is the message I gleaned from Running Scared. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you run, you can’t outrun the hand of God.
I received this book free from the author through PWICU’s book review and blogger program. I was not required to leave a positive review and the reviews expressed are completely my own. This disclosure of material is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
February 16, 2011
This is an incredible story about a man who was born in a bad part of New Orleans, and who became a criminal at a young age, stealing cars and stripping them for parts to sell. Even though all this, as a young adult, he becomes a police officer. Robert Davis exposes just how serious of a problem police misconduct can be and tells us how, despite his resolve to be a good cop, we once again become involved in criminal activity. It finally catches up with him, and at young age, he's facing a court case that he clearly can't win, and will most likely spend his life in prison. He makes a life changing decision before his court date comes up, and begins life as a fugitive- running from the police for over 20 years. For 20 years he lives as everything from a Catholic Father's bodyguard to a male prostitute, including countless years sleeping in a tent, living off the land in different forests around American and Canada. He's story is truly incredible, as he literally picks up his life, changes his identify and everything about him every couple of years for over two decades. There's only one thing that doesn't change throughout these 22 year, his firm stance as an Atheist. Through an amazing turn of events, Robert David found God, and turned his life around.
February 10, 2011
This was one of those books I just did not want to put down. Easy to read, well written and kept you wondering what had happened next. A corrupt cop who ran from the law for 22 years. A hard core atheist even though he was raised devoted christian grandmother. As a teenager he got involved with crime but never was caught. A friend suggested he should try out for the police force and he passed all the tests. Little did he know that not all cops were above doing crime. Things started unfolding rather quickly and next thing he knew he was a fugitive. He learned to survive in very primitive areas and continued to criminal acts. The one day something snapped in his mind and God got ahold of him. He kept giving God tests to prove that God was real. God won! The fugitive turned himself in and the ending is nothing short of a miracle!
Thanks Good Reads for a chance to win this! Loved the book.
Thanks Good Reads for a chance to win this! Loved the book.
January 8, 2011
I really liked this book. It is a really honest account of Roberts life and the terrible things he did to others.
To see Christ seek him out and challenge him for 20 years was great and to then see him give his life to Christ is amazing.
It really does show that it doesn't matter what you have done in life, if you ask for forgiveness, repent, give your life to Christ, you will be saved.
It is also a great reminder that Christ is in control and we should let him deal with the worries in life.
A great read.
To see Christ seek him out and challenge him for 20 years was great and to then see him give his life to Christ is amazing.
It really does show that it doesn't matter what you have done in life, if you ask for forgiveness, repent, give your life to Christ, you will be saved.
It is also a great reminder that Christ is in control and we should let him deal with the worries in life.
A great read.
January 1, 2011
This is an interesting read of a man's conversion from criminal to Christian. I just wish there was more about how he healed the relationships with his siblings and children. It's a bit hard to believe they all simply welcomed him home with open arms. I know he has written another book which may address that issue...but I guess I would have liked to hear more about the "after-conversion" as well as so much about the "before."
August 6, 2015
I heard the author tell his story on the program Snap Judgement, and the story intrigued me. the book is fascinating, and it does sometimes seem unbelievable.
the writing is sometimes repetitive, and would have benefited by tighter editing, but it gives some insight into a man who overcame odds to come out successful and intact.
the writing is sometimes repetitive, and would have benefited by tighter editing, but it gives some insight into a man who overcame odds to come out successful and intact.
Want to read
January 31, 2011I won this on Goodreads giveaway and I can't wait to read and review it.
September 19, 2011
I won this book on Goodreads!
Robert Davis started out as a police officer in New Orleans, but soon got sucked into the corruption that was so prevalent on the force. When a woman he coerced into having sex with him to beat a speeding violation reported him, he ran. What followed were years of distance from society, a string of women he loved and left (usually pregnant), and a deep conviction that God didn't exist. Often living deep in the woods, he became a skilled hunter, emerging only when troubling medical problems sent him back to civilization, then committing crimes to get money, and eventually returning to the woods. One night, after over 20 years of running, he had an epiphany, became convinced of the presence of God, and decided he needed to turn himself in.
Davis's story of redemption is shockingly remarkable. To think that he probably would have spent less time in prison than he spent running is kind of ironic. It makes me wonder how many people are, like Davis, living on the fringes of society, hiding a sinister secret. The end of his book has a message for everyone who are where he was at various times of his life, to help others avoid the mistakes he made.
Robert Davis started out as a police officer in New Orleans, but soon got sucked into the corruption that was so prevalent on the force. When a woman he coerced into having sex with him to beat a speeding violation reported him, he ran. What followed were years of distance from society, a string of women he loved and left (usually pregnant), and a deep conviction that God didn't exist. Often living deep in the woods, he became a skilled hunter, emerging only when troubling medical problems sent him back to civilization, then committing crimes to get money, and eventually returning to the woods. One night, after over 20 years of running, he had an epiphany, became convinced of the presence of God, and decided he needed to turn himself in.
Davis's story of redemption is shockingly remarkable. To think that he probably would have spent less time in prison than he spent running is kind of ironic. It makes me wonder how many people are, like Davis, living on the fringes of society, hiding a sinister secret. The end of his book has a message for everyone who are where he was at various times of his life, to help others avoid the mistakes he made.
February 16, 2011
This was a very compelling true story. I read it in one sitting. The writing style is very direct and seems a reflection of the authors personality. There is no sugar coating here, and Robert Davis takes full responsibility for his choices throughout his life. The progression from a young man running to "freedom",to an older and wiser man finding real freedom in truth is refreshing.
February 10, 2011
Goodreads thanks for the chance to read this book!
This was an easy book to read. It kept you wanting to find out what was going to happen next. It's about how Robert was on the run for 22 years after being a corrupt cop. Once on the run he would move state to state running from everything. Then he found god and decided to turn him self in after 22 years.
This was an easy book to read. It kept you wanting to find out what was going to happen next. It's about how Robert was on the run for 22 years after being a corrupt cop. Once on the run he would move state to state running from everything. Then he found god and decided to turn him self in after 22 years.
May 10, 2011
I received this book as part of the early reviewers program. It was an interesting true story of one man who made some bad decisions early in life and ran away from his life and God. It tells of his adventures over the next 20+ years until he decides to quit running. It seems like the book was written to help young people not make the same mistakes the author made. An entertaining read.
February 11, 2011
This is a great MUST READ book for everyone! This has so many jaw dropping sections as well as a transition into change! I love this!
May 28, 2011
There is so much unapologetic truth in this book. Fantastic book, this man has enormous guts, a great life story and I am so glad that he has so honestly and openly shared it with us.
April 15, 2012
Mr. Davis.........thank you for sharing your story.
August 3, 2020
“Running Scared” is the amazing story of Robert Leon Davis, a former officer on the New Orleans Police Force. Little by little, Robert yields to the callings of the shadier side of the police force and within four years finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Facing imprisonment, Robert escapes before he can be tried and becomes a fugitive for over twenty years. “Running Scared” takes readers on an unbelievable journey of survival, love and loss, betrayal and justice, and finally from faithlessness to belief. It’s a no-holds barred account of one man’s life that will shock and disturb you – right before it truly inspires you with the power of transformation.
The writing in “Running Scared” is phenomenal. While it is a captivating story that’s hard to top just by the nature of the subject matter, the author’s ability to tell this story is a gift in itself. Robert Leon Davis has a talent for storytelling – he is engaging and entertaining. So much so that I often felt like I was sitting in a room with him as he told his story to me directly. Robert is straightforward and direct. He doesn’t sugar-coat a single word and his openness and vulnerability is moving. It’s that ability to grab the reader that takes a good story and turns it into a great story, one you won’t soon forget. A word of warning: Don’t plan on doing anything else once you pick up this book – you will not be able to put it down!
I was on a roller-coaster of emotions from the very beginning. One moment I found myself applauding Robert for doing the right thing and resisting the dark side, and the next moment I was shaking my head thinking, “No, don’t go down that road!” When you think about the amount of time he spent on the run, you quickly realize his inner strength. He had Someone rooting for him all along – it just took him a while to realize it.
I highly recommend “Running Scared” by Robert Leon Davis. It’s a must-read passage that is a true testament of inspiration. Well done.
The writing in “Running Scared” is phenomenal. While it is a captivating story that’s hard to top just by the nature of the subject matter, the author’s ability to tell this story is a gift in itself. Robert Leon Davis has a talent for storytelling – he is engaging and entertaining. So much so that I often felt like I was sitting in a room with him as he told his story to me directly. Robert is straightforward and direct. He doesn’t sugar-coat a single word and his openness and vulnerability is moving. It’s that ability to grab the reader that takes a good story and turns it into a great story, one you won’t soon forget. A word of warning: Don’t plan on doing anything else once you pick up this book – you will not be able to put it down!
I was on a roller-coaster of emotions from the very beginning. One moment I found myself applauding Robert for doing the right thing and resisting the dark side, and the next moment I was shaking my head thinking, “No, don’t go down that road!” When you think about the amount of time he spent on the run, you quickly realize his inner strength. He had Someone rooting for him all along – it just took him a while to realize it.
I highly recommend “Running Scared” by Robert Leon Davis. It’s a must-read passage that is a true testament of inspiration. Well done.
February 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, and Highly recommend it to others, couldn't put it down, Robert's story should touch many lives, I normally don't give 5 stars to books but this was really a good book.
thanks to Robert for sharing this story.
thanks to Robert for sharing this story.
April 7, 2014
A corrupt police officer is arrested, goes on the run before his trial begins and spends 22 years as a fugitive.
This is an interesting account of the man’s life / time on the run. Given the crimes that he admits to, I’m surprised he is not in prison.
This is an interesting account of the man’s life / time on the run. Given the crimes that he admits to, I’m surprised he is not in prison.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews